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Existentialism2.pptx
Existentialism
Josh Sebring
Existentialism(loosely) defined
A philosophy concerned with finding self and the meaning of life through free will, choice and personal responsibility. Through our interactions with other people.
Principles of Existentialism
The Universe is hostile/indifferent towards humanity
Human free will
A person is best when struggling against their individual nature
Decisions are not without stress and consequences
There are some things that are irrational
Personal responsibility(our actions define us)
Worldly desire is futile(yet this gives our lives meaning)
Background of Existentialism
Existentialist ideas have been found as far as the beginnings of Christian and Buddhist literature.
Became popular to write about and discuss in the 17th Century
Existentialism in its most recognizable form was inspired by Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche in the 19th century.
Notable Existentialist Authors
Jean-Paul Sartre – French novelist, and key figure in Existentialism. Commonly wrote about the importance of individual freedom, human dignity and social responsibility.
Albert Camus – French-Algerian journalist, novelist and philosophical essayist. His works commonly contained issues of moral philosophy such as terrorism, political violence and the death penalty. Known as “the existentialist writer” despite his claims throughout his life that he wasn’t an existentialist.
Free Will as a result of an indifferent Universe
Existentialism contains the idea that the universe does not owe humanity anything, that the universe is hostile or indifferent towards humanity that there is no purpose for the existence of the universe, therefore the following conclusion is often that life is meaningless, however Existentialism highlights that this universe of indifference therefore makes humans free. Free will, choice and personal responsibility gives life its meaning, according to existentialism.
Existentialism in Literature
The Wall - Jean-Paul Sarte
The Guest – Albert Camus
The Stranger – Albert Camus
Invisible Man – Ralph Ellison
Either/Or – Soren Kierkegaard
Existentialism in Literature(The Guest)
Free Will in The Guest.
Balducci disobeys his societal obligation to escort the prisoner
Daru is given choices throughout the story, such as whether to treat “the Arab” humanely or as an animal/object.
Daru faces many choices, all of which have consequences(letting prisoner choose his fate)
Daru and “The Arab’s” choices contrast each other, presenting the true nature of free will
Existentialism’s Impact on Society
After the Great Depression and both World Wars, the world looked to Existentialism, popularized through literature, focused on social reform(Camus-Algeria), and a more liberating and positive way of thinking about ones life. Politicians emphasize personal freedoms more so as a result of Existential ideas as an attractive way of life. The popularization of Existentialism created a more tolerant set of ideas and ways of living that still impact us today, politically and socially.
Works Cited
Desan, Wilfrid. “Jean-Paul Sartre.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 16 Oct. 2018, www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Paul-Sartre.
“Existentialism.” AllAboutPhilosophy.org, www.allaboutphilosophy.org/existentialism.htm.
“Existentialism.” Existentialism - By Branch / Doctrine - The Basics of Philosophy, www.philosophybasics.com/branch_existentialism.html.
“Existentialism in a Social Context.” Beyond Horizons, 31 Mar. 2016, www.beyondhorizons.biz/existentialism-in-a-social-context/.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, www.iep.utm.edu/camus/#SH5c.
